It was the first European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme received by the 6G-VERSUS research project. Its mission is to transform wildfire detection and response – for the better. This unique collaborative project unites over a dozen organizations including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS). Collectively, they will strengthen firefighting capabilities in communities that are growing ever more vulnerable to destructive wildfires.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof, a key member of the research team, recently presented the project’s objectives at a conference in Birmingham. He highlighted the pressing global challenge of wildfires, stating, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.” For 6G-VERSUS, reducing the destructive impact of wildfires would begin with detecting them as early as possible.
In West Yorkshire, the WYFRS is already utilizing all-terrain vehicles, mapping tools, and weather forecasting applications to predict fire behavior effectively. With the region experiencing a rise in wildfires—particularly on Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor—the collaboration with the 6G-VERSUS team is timely. WYFRS was keen to work with the University of Bradford to use more advanced technology and data as part of their overall firefighting tactics.
As our separate system with a robotic dog, equipped with an aerial drone. Innovative technology to improve situational awareness for first responders operating in windy, smoky, and embattled wildfire environments will be discussed. Dr. Mahroof emphasized the project’s potential benefits: “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.”
For their second competition next year, the team will travel to Greece. They’ll showcase their programs under the expert supervision of Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). This pilot is intended to help refine that technology which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze real-time camera feeds.
“In the Greek pilot of SNS-JU 6G-VERSUS, we’re developing a combined robotic dog and aerial drone system that boosts situational awareness for first responders during wildfires.” – Team
Utilizing 6G technology, the system will relay crucial data to help teams quickly identify people at risk and efficiently deploy resources where they are needed most.
“By applying AI to interpret real-time camera feeds and using 6G links to relay the data, we can help teams quickly identify people at risk and deploy resources where they’re needed most, all while keeping responders safe.” – Team
Firefighters are increasingly using lightweight personal protective equipment specifically designed with long-duration operations in mind. This innovation is a great example of the continued commitment to improving safety practices in firefighting operations.
